8 Tips for Creating the Best Email Subject Lines

Email is one of the primary forms of communication in the business world. It's how we stay in touch with customers, promote our products and services, and follow up with leads. And yet, many businesses still don't know how to write good email subject lines.

The subject line is important because it's one of the first things recipients see and it can determine whether or not they open your email. As a matter of fact, according to research done by Business2Community, 47% of email recipients open an email based on the subject line alone. That's why it's so important to spend time crafting the perfect subject line for each email you send.

In this blog post, we'll share some of our best tips for creating high-performing email subject lines. So whether you're looking for ways to improve your open rates or you're just starting out with email marketing, these tips will help you write better subject lines that get results.

1. Keep it short and sweet.

The first thing to keep in mind when writing email subject lines is that less is more. With so many emails coming in, people are scanning their inboxes quickly and looking for emails that stand out. So, make sure your subject line is short, punchy, and to the point. An attention-grabbing subject line is more likely to get your email noticed than a long, verbose one.

2. Make it clear what's inside.

Your subject line should give recipients a good idea of what they can expect to find in your email. After all, if the subject line doesn't match the content of the email, recipients are going to feel misled and frustrated. So take a look at your email and ask yourself, "If I saw this subject line in my inbox, would I know what's inside?" If the answer is no, then you need to rethink your subject line. 

3. Be specific.

In addition to being clear, your subject line should also be specific. This means including relevant keywords and details that will give the people on your email list a better sense of what your email is about.

For example, let's say you're emailing a lead about your new product. A vague subject line like "Check out our new product" isn't going to be nearly as effective as a specific one like "Introducing the XYZ Widget: The ultimate solution to your ABC problem."

The more specific you can be, the better. Not only will this help improve your open rates, but it will also help ensure that only those who are interested in your email actually open it. 

4. Avoid using "spammy" words.

There are certain words and phrases that can trigger spam filters and cause your email to be sent to the recipient's junk mail folder. To avoid this, stay away from subject line red flags like "free," "save now," and "click here." Instead, focus on using language that is clear and concise.

5. Use personalization.

Another great way to improve your email subject lines is to use personalization. This means including the recipient's name, company, or other information that is specific to them in the subject line.

For example, "John, are you interested in saving 10% on your next purchase?" is much more likely to get John's attention than a generic email like "Save 10% on your next purchase."

Personalized subject lines have been shown to improve open rates, so if you have the information you need, be sure to use it.

6. Try to create a sense of urgency.

One of the best ways to get people to open your email is to create a sense of urgency. This means using language that suggests that the recipient needs to act now in order to take advantage of your offer. For example, "Time is running out: Save 10% on your purchase today!"

The key is to use urgency without coming across as pushy or sales-y. 

7. Use actionable language.

In addition to using urgency, you should also focus on using actionable language in your subject lines. This means using verbs that encourage the recipient to do something, like "try," "learn," "discover," or "find out."

For example, "Try our new XYZ Widget and save 10% today!" is more likely to get someone to open your email than "Our new XYZ Widget is now available."

8. Be creative.

Finally, don't be afraid to get creative with your subject lines. If you can find a way to stand out from the rest of the emails in someone's inbox, you're more likely to get their attention.

One way to do this is to use puns or play on words. Another is to be unexpected or even humorous. Of course, you'll want to make sure that your subject line still conveys the main message of your email, but a little creativity can go a long way. 

Wrap Up

Creating effective email subject lines can be a challenge, but it's definitely worth the effort. By following the tips above, you can improve your open rates and make sure that your emails are getting the attention they deserve.

Do you have any other tips for writing email subject lines? Share them in the comments below! Moreover, if you want to know what other things your email needs to get more open rates, read our blog post “11 Things Every Email Needs.”

Thank you for reading!